Reg.Nr.

Serfenta Crafts Revitalisation Model

The Serfenta Crafts Revitalisation Model is an innovative education and training initiative developed by the Serfenta Association in Poland to safeguard traditional basketry and ensure the transmission of craft knowledge to future generations. Developed over approximately 15 ...
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Project details

Title:Serfenta Crafts Revitalisation Model
Entr. year: 2024
Result:Award
Country: Poland
Town: Cieszyn
Category type: studies in the field of cultural heritage, education, training
Notes:European Heritage Awards 2024 — Education, Training and Skills category. Award Winner.
Actual use:Education, training and revitalisation of traditional basketry skills
Architect / Proj.leader: Paulina Adamska
The Jury's citation: This initiative focuses on building awareness and understanding of the value of intangible heritage in a world overwhelmed with the mass production of goods produced far away and with low-quality materials. With a strong basis in research, it offers a replicable strategy for other crafts in other contexts at European scale. Serfenta Association’s success is testament the strength of its women-led team. They act as international ambassadors for the craft of basketry, having nurtured many fruitful connections and gaining strong support from many countries. Their achievement is remarkable as they are fully self-funded and self-sustaining. This serves as an excellent example for the continuation of traditional skills in other fields.
Web, Links:

www.serfenta.pl

Description:
The Serfenta Crafts Revitalisation Model is an innovative education and training initiative developed by the Serfenta Association in Poland to safeguard traditional basketry and ensure the transmission of craft knowledge to future generations. Developed over approximately 15 years, the model combines ethnographic research, practical workshops, collaboration with master craftspeople and business education to make traditional craftsmanship accessible and economically sustainable. Between 2008 and 2016, the Serfenta team conducted ethnographic research and interviews with traditional basket makers in Poland, Norway, Ukraine, Germany, Iceland and the Czech Republic. The research identified barriers preventing younger generations from learning traditional crafts, including limited access to training, misconceptions about craft practice and the low economic value attributed to handmade products. In response, Serfenta developed new approaches to teaching basketry through practical workshops, craft tours, educational publications, media campaigns and access to natural weaving materials. The organisation also established an online shop and business training opportunities to help traditional craftspeople and younger artisans develop markets for their products. The initiative has involved more than 100 craftspeople from Poland and other European countries and developed teaching methods covering 10 traditional basketry techniques and 11 natural materials. Serfenta has implemented 30 projects dedicated to protecting and promoting basketry, including four Masters of Tradition projects between 2016 and 2019. Its activities have included 510 workshops attended by more than 3,500 participants. Recognised with a European Heritage Award in the Education, Training and Skills category in 2024, the Serfenta Crafts Revitalisation Model demonstrates how research-based education, intergenerational collaboration and entrepreneurship can support the continuity of intangible cultural heritage. Its adaptable approach offers a model for revitalising other traditional crafts across Europe.